Strengthening Participation: 746 Informative Posters on Petitions, Complaints, Claims, and Suggestions in Matavén
At the REDD+ Matavén Project, we believe that active community participation is essential to protect forests, waters, and biodiversity. Without the voice and action of the communities, this goal would not be possible. That is why we designed, produced, and distributed 746 informative posters that clearly and accessibly explain how the Petitions, Complaints, Claims, and Suggestions process works within ACATISEMA, the Association of Cabildos and Traditional Indigenous Authorities of the Selva de Matavén. ACATISEMA is one of the project’s developers and is responsible for implementing most of the activities and programs on the ground.
Why is process important?
The Petitions, Complaints, Claims, and Suggestions process allows community members to express concerns, questions, disagreements, or suggestions. This mechanism is essential for the project’s success, as it ensures that activities respond to community realities and expectations, continuously improves processes, and guarantees that program implementation is more effective and legitimate. At the same time, the process strengthens transparency and promotes trust in collective management, ensuring that decisions are made through dialogue, respect, and community participation.
The posters explain step by step how to file Petitions, Complaints, Claims, and Suggestions, reminding community members that the request must be submitted directly by the person concerned, and that updated contact information is required to receive a response.
Access to information in Indigenous languages
Acknowledging the cultural and linguistic richness of the Selva de Matavén Indigenous Reserve, the posters were translated into six local languages: Cubeo, Curripaco, Piapoco, Piaroa, Puinave, and Sikuani. The distribution was as follows:
- 400 in Spanish
- 289 in Sikuani
- 27 in Piapoco
- 19 in Piaroa
- 6 in Curripaco
- 4 in Puinave
- 1 in Cubeo
These materials were delivered in the Reserve’s communities and at ACATISEMA offices in Inírida and Cumaribo. In addition, they are available to the public in Spanish and in the six Indigenous languages here.
Commitment to Indigenous governance
Strengthening the Petitions, Complaints, Claims, and Suggestions process reaffirm our commitment to Indigenous governance. A solid participation system strengthens communities’ decision-making capacity, builds collective trust, and ensures that the conservation of ancestral territory is guided by the voice of those who live in and protect it.